Medicinal Plants Used as an Alternative to Treat Gingivitis and Periodontitis

Abstract

For various ailments, natural remedies have been traditionally used. To defend against common disorders, medicinal plants are progressively used as nutritional supplements. Gingivitis and periodontitis are widespread and can affect most of the world’s population. Gingivitis is a very common, nondestructive inflammatory disease of gums that causes redness and irritation of the gingiva (gums), but periodontitis causes permanent damage to teeth’ subsidiary structures. Herbal medicines are getting popular for the treatment of such types of disorders due to being economical with their medicinal effectiveness, compatibility, and nontoxicity. Traditional chemical therapies can cause cell toxicity along with their disease-curing effects. In this article, we discussed the medicinal plants that can be used as an alternative for the treatment of gingivitis (early-stage gum disease) and periodontitis (chronic-stage gum disease).

Chamomile tea decreases Porphyromonas gingivalis viability

“…5 Mouth rinses of Matricaria chamomilla appear to also be effective in periodontitis and gingivitis. 6,7 Chamomile mouthwashes are even comparable to scaling and root planning or the use of 0.2% chlorhexidine in the treatment of periodontitis. 8,9 Porphyromonas gingivalis is a major player in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease.…”

Phytochemistry and Biological Profile of Gaultheria procumbens L. and Wintergreen Essential Oil: From Traditional Application to Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets

“…G. procumbens also works well as an ornamental ground cover plant due to its attractive evergreen leaves, red fruits, and significant frost resistance [ 12 , 32 ]. Leaf extract and wintergreen oil are frequent additives to anti-ageing cosmetics [ 13 , 165 ] and medical formulations for gingivitis and periodontitis [ 166 , 167 , 168 ]. Wintergreen oil is also used externally to cure lumbago, sciatica, and muscle aches [ 9 , 169 , 170 ].…”

“…Due to its significant anti-inflammatory activity, wintergreen oil is used to soak cotton rolls and apply them in the mouth to treat sore teeth and swelling of the gums [ 166 ]. In the appropriate dilution, the essential oil is used as a mouth rinse in treating periodontal diseases, including reducing oral cavity infections and toothache, dental caries, as well as gingivitis and periodontitis [ 167 , 168 , 181 ].…”

Preparation and Evaluation of the Biological Properties of Ethanolic Extract of Red Clover: An In Vitro Study

“…Plant extracts are extensively utilized in the pharmaceutical sector due to their natural availability and reduced incidence of side effects. However, there is currently insufficient literature evidence to substantiate the effectiveness of using red clover isoflavones as a mouthwash for oral hygiene maintenance [11]. Hence, this study aimed at formulating an ethanolic extract of red clover and evaluate its antibacterial and antioxidant properties, as well as assess its cytotoxic effects.…”